Instructor: Maria P. Gindhart

E-mail: gindhart@mail.sas.upenn.edu or mgindhart@compuserve.com

Course Listserv:

Web Page: http:\\www.arthistory.upenn.edu/spr99/009301/index99.html

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will analyze the many artistic movements that have marked the last three centuries by asking such questions as:

• What social, cultural, and political factors contributed to the creation of various artistic movements?
• What forces did these movements react against, what goals did they set for themselves, and what legacies did they leave behind?
• Do artistic movements always reflect stylistic unity and shared ideals, or can they accommodate multiple points of view?
• Have these movements tended to be the conscious creation of artists, or are they largely the invention of art historians and art critics?

Together as a class we will examine Neoclassicism, Impressionism, and Postmodernism. In our discussions about these three artistic movements we will utilize different approaches to art history. In appraising the aesthetic characteristics of these three movements we will use formal analysis. Consideration of the contexts in which these artistic movements operated will lead to a better understanding of the social history of art. Scrutiny of issues involving gender and representation will serve as one example of the "new" art history and the ways in which artistic movements are constantly being reinterpreted. Throughout the course, we will contemplate the general validity of artistic categories. In addition to viewing slides in the classroom, visits to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Institute of Contemporary Art to examine actual works of art will be an integral component of this course.

Although you will acquire a great deal of knowledge about the history of art during the semester, this seminar is principally designed as an introduction to college-level writing. The primary aim is to learn how to write personal and analytical essays as well as research proposals and papers. Other goals include learning how to think about images and discuss them both in the classroom and on paper, how to assess your own writing as well as that of others, and how to incorporate constructive criticism into your papers.

Texts: Available at Pennsylvania Book Center, 3726 Walnut Street.

Bulkpack: A bulkpack containing all of the other required readings is available at Wharton Reprographics in the basement of Steinberg-Dietrich Hall.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Reading

All readings must be completed prior to coming to class. Our discussions and debates are enriched by every student's participation with examples and questions from the texts they have prepared in advance.

Writing

The main purpose of this course is to help you become a better writer. Toward that end, you will write--and rewrite--frequently. Regardless of your initial level of ability and experience, the practice you will get in this class will allow you to improve your writing. You will be engaged in different types of writing that will help you develop particular skills while exposing you to a variety of approaches to art historical writing.

1. Formal Assignments

You will write three formal assignments over the course of the semester: an argumentative essay, a comparative visual analysis, and a research paper. In these assignments, you will be asked to formulate your own thesis and provide evidence to support it. You will receive feedback from your peers and the instructor on your writing and then revise these assignments.

2. Informal Assignments

You will also write a series of informal assignments or logs over the course of the term. These are designed to help you explore various aspects of writing and to prompt you to think about art history in new and critical ways. In some instances, the informal assignments are intended to serve as building blocks for the longer formal assignments.

3. Portfolios

At the end of the course, you will turn in a portfolio including both the drafts and final versions of your formal assignments, your logs, all in-class writing exercises, peer review comments, and a self-evaluative cover letter. Your portfolio is designed to reveal your growth as a writer over the course of the semester. I suggest a three-ring binder to keep your work organized.

4. Format

All written work must be typed and double-spaced on 8" x 11" paper with one-inch margins. The pages must be numbered, and all assignments must be proofread, spell-checked, stapled, and turned in on time. Papers may not be submitted electronically. I will not accept late work.

Peer Review

Writing seminars emphasize peer review of papers. Reading and commenting on the work of colleagues in a constructive manner is an essential part of the writing process. As a writer, peer review enables you to hear from readers other than your instructor and to see other ways of handling writing problems. To prepare for peer review, you will read papers written by your classmates and respond to them in writing prior to the in-class review meeting. During the meeting, you will discuss your comments with other students as well as receive feedback from them on your own work.

Conferences

After you have written the first version of each formal assignment, and before you complete its revision, we will hold a student-instructor conference. This will give you the opportunity to ask me questions, try out new ideas, discuss organizational strategies, and address anything else about the course in a one-to-one meeting. All conferences will be held in the T-Square Cafe on the third floor of Myerson Hall. I am happy to discuss your work at other times as well, and you should feel free to e-mail me for an appointment.

Presentations

You will be expected to give short presentations summarizing your second log and your research paper. From time to time you will also be asked to present material to the class more informally.

Attendance and Participation

As a seminar, the success of our class depends on your active participation. Your contribution to class discussions and the peer review process is vital to what we can accomplish together. Obviously, regular attendance is absolutely necessary and expected. The only excused absences will be for medical reasons (with a note from Student Health or your doctor) or verified emergencies. Three unexcused absences will result in automatic failure. We will all find our time in class most rewarding with the regular attendance and active participation of all students.

GRADING

You will not be graded on individual assignments. Instead, you will be given a grade at the end of the semester after I have read your completed portfolio. In this class I stress writing as a process. You will write extensively on a variety of subjects and have a chance to revise your work with the benefit of feedback from me and your peers without the pressure of grades looming over every word you venture to put on paper. I will review your work with you throughout the semester, so there should be no surprises at the end of the class. Your overall course grade will be based upon your portfolio, class participation, and presentations. The quality of your work and the degree of improvement will be the basic benchmarks by which your grade will be determined. Average work that meets the minimum requirements of the class will receive a "C" grade; good work will receive a "B" grade; only outstanding effort and quality will earn an "A" grade. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in a failing grade.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

(To be announced)

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